Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

Hello, I was hoping to get your insight on what’s going on with our Pineapple Green Cheek Conure named Mango. 

She’s about 13 years old.  About 6-weeks ago, we put in a cage heater for her to sit near and keep warm at night instead of using a space heater in her alcove. 

Everything was going great and the energy savings in the first month were amazing. 

During this time, however, Mango became increasingly hormonal, and last week she laid an egg (in December).  Before now, she had only laid eggs a handful of times between the ages of 7 and 10. 

Putting a sun lamp above her cage 12 hours on, 12 hours off fixed the egg laying back then;  I’m guessing you will say we need to do that again now. 

Or is it best if we remove the cage heater altogether?  Or both? Thank you in advance for your input.

Melissa P.

Dear Melissa

We have discussed your issue and it yes, could be the new warmth that has triggered her hormones. We have not come across this happening prior, at least not told to us. But it makes sense.

Mmmm, nice and warm place, let’s raise a family.

I recommend giving her a light treatment to stop the new egg laying. Then resume 12 hours on and 12 hours off forever. If your bulb is old (more than a year or so) you should get a new one.

We also think that using a thermo perch might be better than the panel. Keeps her warm, but not too warm.

Catherine